[pct-l] re bag/quilt warmth

[Edward Anderson]

Hi John,

  For my rides in 2008 and 2009 I brought a sleeping bag LINER that I bought at REI. It is called a Cocoon. I will be bringing one again this summer. My bag is filled with 14 oz of white goose down. I really don't think temperature ratings mean much - only that a 20 degree bag will be warmer than one rated at 30 or 40 degrees. We all have different tolerances for cold - only experience will indicate what works for you. If it becomes really cold I sleep in my clothes.

The use I have for the liner are:  1) Of course, by lining my down bag it helps to keep it clean. And the liner is very easy to rinse out on the trail - it drys quickly. I don't use soap. 2)  It provides an extra layer for warmth and if it is really cold you can sleep in your clothes without bringing trail dirt into your bag.  3)  If it is a warm night I sometimes slept in just the liner on top of my bag - if it became cooler later I could easily slip into my  bag.

My new liner weighs only 4.7 oz and is rated to increase bag warmth by 9.5 degrees.

MendoRider/Ed Anderson